Helsinki police investigate violent group of girls assaulting others in Vuosaari

The Helsinki police have received multiple crime reports about a group of girls in the Vuosaari district who are suspected of assaulting strangers, including primary school-aged children, Helsingin Sanomat reports.

According to the newspaper, the group—some of whose members are also of primary school age—has been linked to at least one assault on a 12-year-old boy near the Columbus shopping centre. A video of the attack was recorded and shared online. The boy escaped after a bystander intervened.

The boy’s mother filed a police report, and authorities were already familiar with the suspects. Police confirmed to Helsingin Sanomat that several reports have been made but declined further comment, stating the lead investigator was unavailable.

Because the girls are under 15, they cannot be held criminally liable, and the investigation has been closed. Police reportedly offered mediation, but the victim’s family refused, unwilling to have the boy face his attackers again.

Yle has not yet reached Helsinki police for additional comments.